Alarm



April 16, 1940. Q w, KEEGIN 2,197,411

ALARM Filed April 25, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTORNE Y Patented Apr. 16, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALARM Application April 25, 1938, Serial No. 204,179

10 Claims.

This invention relates to alarms and refers more particularly to improvements in temperature responsive alarms especially adapted. for sounding warnings of fire.

One object of my invention is to provide an alarm which will have improved and enlarged utility over prior fire alarms.

Another object is to provide an alarm, preferably of a readily portable nature, which may be manufactured and sold at realtively low cost enabling use by a large number of people, thereby also enabling many to purchase a number of my alarms for location at several points in a home for example.

In carrying out the objects of my invention, I preferably incorporate my improvements in conjunction with an alarm clock of any suitable type such as ordinary commercial alarm clocks now sold in large quantity. I have provided temperature responsive or thermostatic control means functioning with the alarm mechanism of an ordinary alarm clock, of either the electric or hand-wound type, for controlling the clock alarm.

In the interests of increasing the utility of my invention, I have provided an alarm of the character aforesaid so constructed and arranged that the alarm clock has all of its present functions and utility and in addition thereto a user of my clock has the protective warning against fire hazard. Thus the alarm will be sounded when the surrounding temperature rises above a predetermined normal degreeindependently of the time setting of the alarm and independently of the usual alarm control viz., whether such control is set for off or on.

It will be apparent that my invention has particular utility for domestic use. Since the ordinary alarm clock is readily portable and can be located at a varietyof points, a user of my clock can place the same most advantageously with respect to fire hazards and warning thereof during day and night. preferably has the further utility of indicating the time, the alarm has continuing utility in contrast with alarm devices which have utility only in the event of fire. This encourages the use of a. number of my alarm devices throughout a. home in the interests of protection against loss of life and property.

Further objects and advantages of my invention reside in the novel combination and arrangement of parts more particularly hereinafter N described and claimed, reference being had to the Furthermore, since my alarm accompanying drawings which illustrate the principles of my invention and in which:

Fig. l is a front perspective view of my alarm embodied in conjunction with a conventional electric alarm clock. 5

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of my alarm, the dial and casing being removed to illustrate the clockwork and'alarm mechanisms.

Fig. 2A is a detail fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of the mechanism for setting the clock hands.

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view of the Fig, 2 mechanism taken as indicated by line 33 of Fig.

Fig. 4 is a front sectional elevational view taken as indicated by linel-A of Fig. 3. v

Fig. 5 is a similar view taken as indicated by line -55 of Fig.3.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a portion of the Fig. 2 mechanism, illustrating my temperature responsive means.

Fig. '7 isa fragmentary perspective view further illustrating the Fig. 6 mechanism.

Fig. 'I-A is a fragmentary view of the Fig. 6 mechanism illustrating a modified arrangement.

Fig. 3 is a view generally similar to Fig, 6 illustrating a further modified form of my thermostatic control.

Fig. 9 is a view generally similar to Figs. 6 and 8 illustrating another modification of my thermostatic control.

Fig. 10 is a further view generally similar to Figs. 6, 8 and 9 but illustrating in plan view a further modification of my thermostatic control.

Referring to the drawings, I have illustrated my invention in conjunction with an electric alarm clock of well known commercial type although I desire to point out that other types of clocks, electrically or manually wound, are equally adaptable for use with my invention. Also, if desired, my invention may be employed Without utilizing a clock mechanism although, as aforesaid, one important characteristic of my invention resides. in my thermostatic control means for conventional clocks of the alarm type. 4:,

The alarm clock A comprises an annular casing l5 having the usual front glass cover It, a portion of which is broken away in Fig. 1 to indicate the dial l1 cooperating with the usual minute and hour hands l8 and I9 respectively. 56 The type of clock illustrated is the electric portable desk or table type having the casing support 28, a'lead wire 2i having the electrical plug 22 for insertion in the usual socket for energizing the clock motor. Other well known types of clocks are adapted for wall mounting, etc, as will be readily understood.

The clock mechanism is carried by a frame or chassis including front plate 23 and rear plate 24 held in fixed spaced relationship by a plurality of main spacers 25. The driving prime mover is, in this instance, the electric synchronous motor B having the usual rotor 26 driving pinion 2'? counterclockwise as viewed from the front.

The usual reduction train to the minute hand 58 consists of the following gears, viz., pinion 2'! drives gear 28 fixed to shaft 29 which carries pinion S8 at its rear end. Pinion 3:) drives through reduction cluster gears 3!, 32 and 33, 34. Cluster gears 33, 34 drive forwardly through shaft 35 to rotate gear 38 clockwise, the drive thence passing through idler ill to the minute gear 38 which rotates the minute hand l8.

The usual reduction train to the hour hand. consists of the following gears, viz., gear 34 drives gear 38 on shaft 40 which extends forward ly to pinion 4i meshing with gear 42 which is disposed adjacent the rear of front plate 24. The gear :2 drives through the usual friction connection generally indicated at 43, see Fig. 2--A, to the hand set pinion 44 rotatable by a shaft 455 and hand knob 46 for setting the hands 28 and 59 of the clock independently of the clockwork drive in the conventional manner. Gear 44 meshes with gear 4? having pinion 4?. engaging both the hour hand gear 49 and the alarm trip gear For convenience of reference, all rotations unless otherwise stated will be with reference to a viewpoint looking at the clock front as in Figs. 1 and 2.

The usual alarm impulse mechanism or spring at urges gear 52 clockwise to drive pinion 53 and escapement wheel 54. The spring is maintained energized by a drive from the clockwork mechanism at gear 42 which drives cluster gears 55, 56, the latter meshing with spring winding gear 51. The usual spring clutch 58 allows the gears to drive after the spring is fully wound up.

The alarm dial 59 is fixed to a shaft 68 extending rearwardly to knob 6! having counterclockwise rotation for setting the alarm according to the dial reading visible through a window 62 in the main clock dial H. The shaft 50 extends loosely through the alarm trip gear 58, this shaft having fixed thereto a disk-like body 63 having a trip finger 83. Trip gear 50 carries a trip collar 64 formed with a notch 65. Fixed at 66 to plate 23 is a cantilever trip spring 5'! which has a free end acting forwardly to urge gear 50 and its collar 84 toward finger 63. The gear 50 rotates clockwise from the driving clockwork mechanism, it being apparent that when notch 65 moves opposite the setting 83, the free end of spring 6'! will snap outwardly from plate 23 causing outward movement of collar 64 as the notch engages the finger. This action is brought about since the collar 54 is hollow and receives the disklike body portion -38 with the finger 63 entering notch 65 and limiting the outward movement or the spring El and gear 50. When the finger enters the notch the time alarm will sound provided the manual cut-off control for the alarm impulse mechanism has been set for operation of the alarm as will be presently apparent. It will be understood that gear 50 maintains engagement with the wide-face gear 48 at all times.

The escapement wheel 54 rotates counterclockwise under control of an escapement 69 fixed to a rockshaft supported between plates 23 and 24. Fixed to this rockshaft is a primary lever ll having an end portion 12 engageable with a present alarm control mechanism. Pivoted by a pin l3 to an intermediate portion of lever H is the arm 14 of a secondary lever in the form of a bellcrank having its other arm 16 terminating in an alarm striker or hammer ll. Lever 15 is carried by a second rockshaft l8 and has its arm 14 terminating in a stop in the form of an outwardly bent finger 19 adapted for cooperation with the trip spring 67 to release the hammer ii for vibration by spring El and escapement 69. A rear casing member 80 has an annular forwardly extending flange 8! partially enclosing the clockwork mechanism and provides a sounding device or gong for impact from hammer H.

In order to preset the alarm for time operation or to permanently lock-out the alarm from operation by the time control, it is customary to provide a manual preset control mechanism of some type as for example a knob 82 carried by a shaft 83 axially slidable transversely of plates 23 and 24. This shaft carries an enlarged stop 84 having sloping sides 85, 86. When shaft 83 is pushed in or forwardly, the alarm is rendered inoperative by the time trip spring 81 because stop 84 is positioned so as to prevent vibration of lever portion 12. However, with shaft 83 pulled out or rearwardly, the alarm impulse mechanism between escapement 69 and hammer ll is free to operate provided the time responsive tripping mechanism controlled by the trip finger 63 functions to release the alarm impulse mechanism and hammer 17.

Generally speaking, the foregoing details of parts are well known in the art and have been briefly referred to as illustrative of a. typical environment for my invention, The general operation of the illustrated clockwork is also well known.

In carrying out the principles of my invention according to the embodiment thereof illustrated in Figs. 1 to '7, I have provided temperature responsive means arranged to function independently of the normal functioning of the clock mechanism so that the alarm will be sounded on predetermined temperature rise regardless of whether the manual cut-off control for the alarm impulse mechanism at knob 82 is in the on" or off condition, and regardless of whether the time responsive alarm tripping mechanism controlled by trip finger 63 functions to release the alarm impulse mechanism and hammer 11.

Conveniently secured to the framework, as at 81 to the auxiliary front plate 88, I have provided a thermostatic or thermo-active element which may be in the form of a bi-metal cantilever 89 which extends upwardly in front of gear 36 and terminates in a rearwardly bent trip finger portion 98 which projects through opening 9| in plate 88 and through opening 92 in plate 23 so as to overlie the trip spring 61 and normally engage finger 19, either above or below the latter, to prevent or stop vibration of the hammer IT.

The outer face of trip spring 6'! normally engages the rear face of the thermostatic element 89 as in Fig. 7. The thermostatic element is adapted to rapidly spring or bend outwardly to the dotted position 89 in Fig. 6 when the temperature surrounding the clock rises above a predetermined normal or safe degree thereby swinging finger portion 90 free from finger 19. If there is no manual cut-oif control at 82 or if the latter is in the dotted position 82' in Fig. 6, 15

then the escapement 69 will immediately operate to vibrate the hammer 11 against the gong 8| and sound a warning. If desired the element 89 may be of non-thermostatic material but spring outwardly by a thermostatic element of flat or coiled form as will be readily understood, Such an arrangement is disclosed for the spring trip 89 in Fig. 7-1 1 wherein the bi-metal thermostatic element 89 is secured to plate 23 and loosely engages element 39 for tripping finger 19.

Furthermore, when the trip finger 63 enters notch 65 for sounding the alarm for normal functioning in response to the time setting at knob 6|, trip spring 61 springs or bends forwardly to free the finger 19, it being understood that spring 61 is sufficiently strong to function in this manner. When knob BI is then rotated counterclockwise, finger 63 engages the inclined face of notch 65 and restores spring 61 to its fully loaded condition, the thermostatic element 89 thereupon springing rearwardly to catch the finger 19.

The alarm is normally shut off by pushing on the manual cut-off control knob 82 to cause lever portion 12 to engage stop 84 preferably at the inclined face 06 for reasons presently apparent. A detent cantilever spring 93 has an car 94 loosely receiving shaft 83 and is fixed at 95 to plate 23. This spring as is, like element 89, a thermostatic element, preferably bi-metal, and has an inverted V-shaped end portion 95 engageable with inclined face 85 to yieldaoly hold shaft 83 in the forwardly pushed position. When the knob 82 is pulled rearwardly, as in setting the alarm impulse mechanism for oper ation, stop 84 springs the element 93 and the end portion 96 then engages face 86 to yieldingly maintain the shaft 83 in its rearward position. The element 93 therefore has the func tion of an ordinary detent spring for shaft 33 and the further function of releasing the alarm mechanism regardless of the manual setting of knob 82.

Thus, if knob 82 is pushed forwardly and the temperature rises above the aforesaid predetermined normal degree, element 93 will rapidly swing to the dotted position 93 in Fig. 6 free of stop 84 and, with element 89 simultaneously releasing finger 19 as aforesaid, the vibrating tendency of lever 1| will cause lever end portion 12 to act on the sharply inclined face 86 to thereby move shaft 83 rearwardly sufiiciently to allow full vibration of hammer 11 in sounding the alarm.

In the foregoing description I have, for convenience of identification, referred to parts moved forwardly or rearwardly with reference to the clock as viewed in Fig. 1, wherein the front is obviously at the clock face. The time responsive alarm trip mechanism primarily comprises trip finger 63, collar 64, spring 61 and the thermostatic element 89 by reason of the trip finger portion 90 thereof, this time responsive alarm trip mechanism fiuther including the manual preset time control at knob 6|. The

' alarm impulse mechanism is motivated by impulse spring 5| and comprises the escapement mechanism at 54, '69 and vibratory levers 1|, 15.

The manual cut-off control for the alarm impulse mechanism comprises the knob 82 and parts associated with the functions of this knob. The foregoing mechanisms and controls may take a variety of forms within the broader aspects of my invention.

In Fig. 8 modification the parts are identical to the foregoing embodiment and the functions are the same except as follows. the detent spring 93 is shown as ordinary steel spring stock while shaft 83 carries a collar 91 fixed thereto and formed with a cam face 91 engaged by a cam face 91 of a collar 91 loose on shaft 83 The latter is preferably splined at 91 in plate 24 so that the shaft can readily slide axially but cannot rotate. A iii-metal or other coiled thermostatic element 95 has one end fixed to plate 23 while the other end is fixed to the collar 91. With shaft 83 in the Fig. 8 position, the element 98 will expand in response to the aforesaid predetermined temperature rise to cause collar 91 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction so that cam face 91* will act against face 91 to force shaft 83 rearwardly sufliciently to sound the alarm in conjunction with simultaneous release by element 89. Preferably, the arrangement is such that expansion of element 98 will force stop 84 and shaft 83* rearwardly to spring the detent 93 until the inverted V-shaped end 9% engages inclined face 86 whereupon the spring 93 will force shaft 83 rearwardly. When element 98 contracts the collar 91 will rotate clockwise without forcing shaft 83 rearwardly.

Fig. 9 is generally similar to the Fig. 8 structure and operation. except that the coil type of thermostatic element of Fig. 9 is now replaced with a cantilever bi-metal thermostatic element 98 having a fixed end supported by an adjacent spacer 25 and having its free end portion 99 engaging a pin I00 on shaft 83. The element 98 functions under the aforesaid temperature rise just as element 99 by moving shaft 83 rearwardly to release a cut-off setting of knob 92 so as to release the alarm in conjunction with the simultaneous functioning of thermostatic element 89 as aforesaid.

Referring now to Fig. 10, I have formed a vibratory member of the alarm impulse mechanism of bi-metal. Thus the lever 1| of Fig. 7 is now replaced by a similarly shaped lever 1i pivoted at 13 to the lever 15, there being sufiicient clearance between lever 1l and pivot 13 to accommodate forward fiexure under the aforesaid temperature rise. If desired a light spring l0! may be disposed between levers 1l and 15 to yieldingly maintain them separated although this spring is not ordinarily required. When the temperature rises as aforesaid, lever 1| bends at its free end thereby deflecting the end portion 12 forwardly clear of stop 84 to sound the alarm, thermostatic element 89 at the same time releasing finger 99. Lever 11 therefore has the functions of rendering the manual cut-off control at 84 ineffective and also comprises an impulse transmitting part of the alarm impulse mechanism between spring 5| and hammer 11.

In order to efficiently effect operation of the thermostatic elements in response to the aforesaid temperature rise in the vicinity of my alarm device, the casing I5 is preferably provided with one or more apertures I02 to efficiently expose the thermostatic elements to the surrounding medium.

I do not limit my invention in its broader aspects to the particular form and arrangement of parts shown and described for purposes of illustrating the principles of my invention since many changes and modifications will be readily apparent from my teachings.

I claim:

In this instance 1. In a device of the character described, a 15 vibratory alarm mechanism comprising a bell crank having a hammer portion and a laterally deflected control finger, means including a spring normally urging vibration of said alarm mechanism, a thermo-active element having a flat body portion fixed at one end and having its other end deflected to normally lie in the path of said control finger to arrest vibration of said alarm mechanism, said thermo-active element being adapted to deflect in response to a predetermined temperature rise to release said control finger, a flat trip spring adapted to be tripped for engagement with said thermo-active element to deflect the same to release said control finger, a manually adjustable cut-01f device adapted to engage with and thereby releasabiy block vibration of said vibratory alarm mechanism, and thermo-active means operable in response to said predetermined temperature rise for releasing said cut-off device.

2. In an alarm device, a vibratory alarm mechanism, a manually operable device shiftable from a position of release to a position of obstructing said alarm mechanism, and a ther'ioactive detent member yieldingl'y maintaining said device in said positions of manual adjustment.

3". In an alarm device, a vibratory alarm mechanism, a manually operable device shiitable from a position of release to a position of obstructing said alarm mechanism, a spring yieldingly maintaining said device in said positions of manual adjustment, and thermo-active means operable to shift said device from said obstructing position to said released position.

4. In an alarm device, a vibratory alarm mechanism comprising a pair of relatively movable vibration transmitting members, means pivotally connecting said members to accommodate deflection of one of said members, and means manually shiftable for obstructing said alarm mechanism, the last said member being thermoactive to deflect and effect release of said alarm mechanism from said obstructing means in response to predetermined temperature change.

5. In a device of the character described, a vibratory alarm operating mechanism, means for vibrating said mechanism, manually pre-set control means normally acting to prevent operation of said mechanism but adapted to release said mechanism, means operating in response to predetermined temperature rise for releasing said mechanism, and manually controlled alarm cut off means selectively operable to render said mechanism operable or inoperable under control of said pre-set means, said cut-off means including thermo-active means for rendering said outoff means ineffective to prevent operation of said mechanism in response to said temperature rise.

6. In a device of the character described, an alarm mechanism having a plurality of stops, means urging operation of said mechanism, time controlled means for releasing one of said stops, temperature responsive means for releasing the last said stop, alarm cut-01f means engageable with the other of said stops, and temperature responsive means for rendering said cut-oil means ineffective to prevent operation of said mechanism.

7. In an alarm. device, a vibratory alarm mechanism, an axially shiftable alarm controlling shaft having a stop, means supporting said shaft for manual shifting thereof to position said stop either in engagement with said mechanism or free therefrom, and thermo-active means for shifting said shaft.

8. Alarm mechanism comprising, a primary lever adapted to be vibrated, means for vibrating said lever, a manually operated alarm cut-off stop adjustable to a position in engagement with said primary lever to arrest the same, thermoactive means for releasing said stop when the latter is in its said lever-arresting position, a secondary lever pivotally connected to said primary lever and adapted to be vibrated thereby, said secondary lever having a hammer portion and a stop portion, pre-set means operable to release said stop portion, and thermo-active means for releasing said stop portion.

9. In a device of the class described, alarm mechanism comprising vibration transmitting levers pivotally connected together, means for vibrating one of said levers, a pair of releasable vibration arresting means respectively engageable with said levers, time controlled means operably associated with one of said arresting means, to release this arresting means and means operating in response to predetermined temperature rise for rendering said pair of vibration arresting means ineffective to arrest vibration of said levers thereby to permit vibration of said levers.

10. In an alarm device, a vibratory alarm mechanism, thermo-active eans releasably blocking vibration of said mechanism, manually operable means releasably blocking vibration of said mechanism, and thermo-active means for controlling blocking operation of said manually operable means.

VTIS W. KEEGIN. 

